Original Correspondence

New Zealander, Volume 1, Issue 29, 20 December 1845, Page 3

Original Correspondence

To the Editor of The New-Zealander. Sir,— ln perusing your paper of Saturday last, 1 was very much impressed with the justness of the remarks whii-h were made by your correspondent " Euronesia," in reference to the Protectorate of New Zealand— but particularly the head of that department. Most ol the country settlers, I believe, have been in diff rent ways n olested by the natives, notwithstanding the utmost forbearance and patience. In not a tew instances, when such molestation has been of a more serious nature, they have been obliged to request the interference of the Government. The Chief Protector, or some one appointed by him, was then sent to investigate the case, — and, with very few exceptions, the Maoris have been almost entirely exculpated, an i the Europeans blamed. It was not the simple truth that was aimed at in these investigations; but the grand object seemed to be— how to pervert the tiuth, and cover it over with such a heap uf extenuating circumstances, as to show the native character id the mo-.t favourable lisyht. A very aggravated case happened in 1842, in the district of Wangari. The settlers there were visited by a number ot natives from a distance — all their houses ransacked, and property to a large amount taken away. Mr. Clai ke, the Chief Protector, some time alter, examined the sufferers upon oath. Vac rious applications were made by them concerning thd result, but ao satisfactory answer was received ; ano I have beeu informed upon good authority, that n record of the depositions can be found, and the case has lately bceu dismissed by the late Governor. Such is a specim n of the justice dispensed under former administrations. It is quite unnecessary to multiply examples. Many of your readers will doubt* less be able to recall to their memory instances of a similar kind. Now that we have got a pew Governor, I hope the sufferers in the fl.vgiant case mentioned above will not allow it to be lost sight of, but will

petition for a fresh investigation as soon as the state of the country will admit. From all the information I have received on thi* subject, it appears to me that the Wangjari settleri have been very ill treated by the local government. It will be remembered by many in Auckland, that .when they were driven from their homes in April last, they had all to embark (more than forty souls) in a small vessel of five tons burthen — were exposed to the dangers of the oceau in a very uufit state, and arrived here destitute ot the means of supporting themselves. The charge of Twelve pounds for their passage was demanded— first tiom the Government, and then from the poor Refugees themselves, who were cruelly allowed to be pro^ecu'ed for the paltry sum. Had it been as miny Maoris who had been so destitute, it is probable ten times that amouuc would have been readily paid. The more I enquire into the circumstances of the Wangiiri refugees, the more does my heart burn with indignation at the harsh uiisympathising treatment which they have almost uniformly experienced at the hands of those who ought to have befriended and encouraged them iv their agricultural pur c uits.— • Such conduct on the part of our rulers can only b« explained on the supposition that their characters have been mis-represented ; but it is to be hoped there are many of them of sterling principle and hisrh moral worth, whose upright conduct will stand the test of examination. By insertiug this* ifi your first number, you will much oblige, Sir, Your's, &c. &c, A LOVER OF JUSTICE. Auckland, Dec. 1 7th, 1845.